Blake Walsh

25 Best Things to Do in Denton, TX

  • Published 2023/04/11

Denton is a city in Texas that is full of scenic beauty, fun, and adventure.

It’s home to a number of lovely parks, gardens, lakes, and many more fantastic tourist attractions.

The city is a great place to visit if you want to relax and chill on your vacation while having fun at the same time.

It is the perfect dream destination for many travelers.

Here are the best things to do in Denton, Texas:

Pay a Visit to the Denton County Courthouse

Exterior of Denton County Courthouse

Matthew Beeman / Shutterstock.com

The Denton County Courthouse was built in the 1800s and still stands proudly today.

This building was previously used to conduct proceedings but is now a museum that holds a piece of the city’s history and showcases many significant artifacts.

A lot of famous artists and singers hold their concerts and events in this place, which makes the museum a great tourist attraction all around the year.

Closeup of the Denton County Courthouse

Prosper106 / Shutterstock.com

Although most of this courthouse has been converted into a different area for public use and display, a part of it remains to be a generic courthouse for the commissioner’s court.

You can use this courthouse as the perfect spot for having a wedding, as this big and spacious place is often used to hold beautiful events.

Overall, this museum-courthouse surely deserves a visit if you are in Denton.

Enjoy a Day of Family Fun at Water Works Park

This adventure water park in Denton is the perfect place to spend a day with your family and kids.

Water Works Park caters to the needs of visitors of all age groups, as fun has no age limit here.

You can swim around in the pool, ride some slides into the water, enjoy the waves, or simply sip on a soda while dipping your legs in the water.

The best part about this place is that you can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy in the park.

There are some very big, high, curvy, and adventurous slides for sporty and daring people and simple and easy rides available for kids.

It is a great place where the whole family can spend some quality time together.

Have a Picnic at the Scenic South Lakes Park

South Lakes Park is a lovely, clean, well-kept park in Denton that is filled with the beauty of nature.

This park is perfect for relaxing and chilling around.

You can come here for picnic dates and have quality time with your loved ones.

This park comes with a sports field, so you and your kids can go around and play games like volleyball, basketball, football, and more.

South Lakes Park also has a playground area for children to play around.

The pond in the middle of the park is clean, filled with sapphire blue waters, and perfect for catching some fish.

It is the best park to visit whenever you want to breathe in some fresh air, for the park is very spacious and filled with freshness and greenery.

Try Not to Get Spooked at the Parker House Haunted Attraction

The Parker House Haunted Attraction is a great tourist spot in Denton and is definitely worth a visit.

This haunted house features a lot of scary attractions all in one place.

The best part about the house is the zombie paintball ride, which tourists seem to love the most.

There are a lot of props set up, along with several actors outside the house who are ready to scare you.

The inside of the house is where you’ll find the zombie ride, while you can walk through the scary attractions set up outside.

Do visit this place if you like haunted houses.

Be Inspired by the Clothes Displayed at the Texas Fashion Collection

Texas is very famous for its fashion and clothing, so how can you leave the state without experiencing Texas-style fashion?

Located at the University of North Texas, the Texas Fashion Collection is a great museum in Denton where you can find all kinds of fashionable clothing items that you may want.

The guide is very knowledgeable and helpful and will definitely help you learn all about the articles on display.

This museum is operated by students from the university’s College of Visual Arts and Design, so they have exquisite taste in fashion.

Make sure to visit the Texas Fashion Collection if you love shopping for trendy clothing.

Browse through Works by Art Students at the Galleries at UNT

In support of its College of Visual Arts and Design’s educational mission, the University of North Texas is home to three different galleries.

Collectively referred to as the Galleries at UNT, the three are individually known as CVAD Gallery, Cora Stafford Gallery, and Paul Voertman Gallery.

All the galleries are situated within the university campus and showcase various artworks by students of the College of Visual Arts and Design.

The works of art exhibited here are very creative and alluring, and you must definitely check them out yourself.

Step Back in Time at the Historic Bayless-Selby House Museum

Exterior of Bayless Selby House museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This historical site is filled with fascinating artifacts.

You can take a tour of the Bayless-Selby House Museum and experience all the artifacts on display for yourself.

It is a great place to learn about the history of the city.

The staff members here are knowledgeable and will brief you about all the articles being exhibited.

Gazebo at Bayless-Selby House Museum

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can find everything that a typical household from the early 1900s would have.

This house showcases everything from a piano and original pieces of furniture down to kitchen utensils, giving visitors a peek into what life was like back in the day.

It is a great attraction for tourists who love learning about the history of every new place they visit.

Check Out Denton’s Beautiful Parks

Yellow tulips at Tulip Garden in Denton

Arturo R Garcia Jr / Shutterstock.com

There are a lot of parks and gardens to visit in Denton, for the city is full of nature and beauty.

These parks offer an excellent way to reconnect with nature.

You can go around and have picnics, watch the sunset, paint the gorgeous scenery, have some quality time by yourself, or spend time with your family.

Scenic view of a road covered with trees in Denton

Kristelle Maguire / Shutterstock.com

The parks in this city are well-maintained, and each one of them is beautiful with unique features.

So, put on your exploration shoes and start exploring the beautiful parks and gardens in Denton.

Birds resting on a Wetland Park in Denton

Boomertog / Shutterstock.com

See Hockey Game at Lone Star Indoor Sports & Event Center

Situated at Suite 101 in Denton, Texas’ 222 South Mayhill Road, Lone Star Indoor Sports & Event Center is a 27,000 square feet of excitement and fun.

Lone Star Rink is a great place to practice your skating skills, host private events like birthday parties and weddings, and more.

You can access this facility seven days a week for events or whatever you want really.

Lone Star Rink has pretty comfortable skates for rent and a spotless bathroom.

Roller-skating-related activities are going on here all the time; roller derby, roller hockey, and practices.

The sports center has very accommodating staff members and offers nice party rooms, a great family atmosphere, and extremely reasonable rates.

Roll a Strike at Andy B’s Bowl Social

If you’re seeking a quick bite, terrific games of bowling, and the bonus of the atmosphere in the background, Andy B’s is the perfect place to go.

Delivering local concoctions and house-made craft brews, Andy B’s offers a wide array of game room action and attractions for anyone interested in such activities.

Andy B’s has received special touch with its bold vintage design, unrivaled customer service, some great food made from modern recipes, and infamous cocktails.

The seating around the bowling lanes is great and comfortable too.

This social bowling venue is a space for all ages including children, people looking for family-friendly fun, and those who are looking to hang out with friends.

It’s open until 11 p.m. each night and you can bowl until 1 a.m. on Friday.

Andy B’s Bowl Social is close to the Convention Center and Embassy Suites.

Visit Blagg-Huey Library

Entrance of Blagg-Huey Library

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Blagg-Huey Library at Texas Woman’s University is a spectacular place that houses archives of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), this national archive is available for viewing and research by all.

The library also promotes access to other learning resources in the form of books, journals, and databases to better promote active learning among students.

Exterior of Blagg-Huey Library

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Blagg-Huey Library also contains documents, artifacts, and reports that detail the women who served in the Army Air Forces during World War II.

The collection spans 1942 to 1944: when thousands of dedicated women of all races, ages, and religions enlisted as part of the experimental program designed to help free male pilots for overseas duty.

Pond at Pond at Blagg-Huey Library

Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Their ranks included nurses, teachers, and businesswomen who had never before seen an aircraft or set foot on a military base.

Have a Vintage-Style Feast at Barley and Board

You could make an argument that Barley and Board is the most popular restaurant in Denton, making this a must-visit.

Located inside a vintage brick building, Barley and Board is a rustic but elegant brewery and pub that specializes in classic American pub food to go along with their huge assortment of beer.

They have a ton of meaty items here, so carnivores will be delighted to try this restaurant.

Some of their bestsellers are their pork tenderloin, their mimosas, hangar steak, and al pastor.

It’s criminal to not order a drink here, and besides their wide array of beer, they also have other alcoholic beverages ranging from cocktails to whiskeys.

Barley and Board is located along West Oak Street, making it a convenient stopover during your trip.

Have a Quirky Experience at The Chairy Orchard

The Chairy Orchard is one of the strangest attractions that you can find in Denton, but it’s a great addition because it’s free and fun.

Simply put, this attraction is found in a neighborhood in Denton where many neighbors donated and arranged chairs to form an “orchard” that looks like a huge art installation.

You’ll find many weird but fun things about the chairs as you explore the orchard, as many of them have various graffiti or decor.

There are also a ton of unique chairs that you may have never seen all your life, such as a chair with hands—a creepy sight to see!

Perfect for adventurous oddballs, The Chairy Orchard can be found along Churchill Drive.

Play a Game at North Lakes Disc Golf Course

While South Lakes is the more prominent park in Denton, North Lakes has a lot to offer as well, spearheaded by the North Lakes Disc Golf Course.

It’s a fun way to experience the blend of nature and urban culture in Denton, as it will take you to different spots in the city.

North Lakes Disc Golf Course is huge—it has two different 18-hole courses that’ll be up to you to decide on.

With lots of hazards and sprawling greenery, this is a great place to bond with friends and family, along with new people you might meet along the way.

You can access North Lakes Disc Golf Course along North Bonnie Brae Street.

Take a Breather at Library Mall

Library Mall is a great way to experience the campus life at the University of North Texas.

Not to be confused with a shopping mall, Library Mall is one of the most popular open area places in the university where you can see its various facilities.

Filled with tons of benches, paved walkways, along with beautiful fountains and lush trees, this is a great spot to relax.

Library Mall is also a great starting point for you to do a self-guided tour in the university.

You can access Library Mall along West Highland Street.

Have a Blast at North Texas Fair and Rodeo

A competitor at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo

Xtremest / Shutterstock.com

The North Texas Fair and Rodeo is one of the most anticipated events in Denton, famous for its wild nights that’ll surely give you an adrenaline rush.

Spanning more than a week, this event is all about chaotic fun—it features a ton of activities that aims to really bring out the wildness of its locals.

Some of the events you can expect here are huge pop-up carnivals, chaotic but fun rodeo shows, along with loud country music concerts that’ll bring out the fun in even the quietest person.

Tons of sponsors make this event possible, so expect a lot of delicious food and fun tournaments during the event as well.

North Texas Fair and Rodeo typically happens during the summer month of August and is held at the fairgrounds along North Carroll Boulevard.

People preparing for the North Texas Fair and Rodeo

Xtremest / Shutterstock.com

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Ray Roberts Lake State Park during twilight

Keethisagar / Shutterstock.com

This beautiful, clean and well-maintained park is one of the top tourist destinations near Denton.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is located 25 minutes away from Denton, in the neighboring city of Pilot Point.

It’s basically an all-in-one area where you can spend a whole day enjoying various outdoor activities.

Picturesque sunset at Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Bishakha Twanabasu / Shutterstock.com

The trails in the park are well-maintained and marked, so you can go hiking, walk your dog, or simply relax.

You can go for a swim at the beach or get a tan.

The park also has a clean and beautiful lake where you can go fishing or boating.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park on a bright sunny day

Brandon-Smith / Shutterstock.com

You can have a picnic during the day and camp all night near the peninsula at this park.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is the perfect place to go for nature photography, and you’ll surely find yourself taking lots of gorgeous pictures here.

Witness a Piece of History That Is Old Alton Bridge

Old Alton Bridge

flight1ap / Shutterstock.com

Just 15 minutes away from Denton, the beautiful Old Alton Bridge sits in nature’s lap and is a calming sight.

This attraction is surrounded by various well-kept and well-marked trails that are ideal for hiking.

Old Alton Bridge is a vast and elegant bridge to walk on and is definitely worth a visit.

The bridge was built in the 1800s and is a historic site.

It was originally built to serve ancient purposes of carrying horses and was later utilized for various vehicles.

Nowadays, it is only used for walking and enjoying the view around the bridge.

This area harbors a lot of flora and fauna.

You’ll spot different types of colorful flowers, along with lots of birds flying in the sky.

It is a great place to come and exercise or simply meditate.

Meet the Animals at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch

Deer at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch

DiverDave, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, located 25 minutes outside Denton, is a fantastic park that preserves Pilot Point’s local wildlife.

The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, and you can get the chance to pet some of them at this park.

From smaller animals like monkeys, sheep, dogs, and lemur to larger ones such as giraffes, lions, and tigers, this wildlife preserve pretty much covers it all.

The whole vibe of this place is very calming and soothing.

The staff is very kind and gentle with the animals and are very knowledgeable about them.

You can learn about different species of animals and get a chance to interact with the ones that you like.

It is a great place to educate your kids about animals and the importance of wildlife and give them an authentic experience of these beautiful creatures.

It is an excellent place to visit if you love animals and want to experience petting wild animals in real life.

Go Camping under the Stars at Pilot Knoll Park

Situated in the nearby town of Argyle, Pilot Knoll Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park that is popular with tourists all year round.

The park is usually sunny, bright, and warm in the summer and is an excellent place for lakeside camping.

You can have a picnic during the day and enjoy beautiful stargazing and camping at night.

In addition, you can rent a boat and sail along Lewisville Lake, which is beautiful, clear, and filled with crystal blue water.

The lake is also suitable for kayaking if that is something you’re up for.

It is a perfect place to go whenever one feels out of touch with nature.

Pilot Knoll Park is well-lit at night, making it the perfect spot for overnight camping.

It is a great spot for taking pictures and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Wine and Dine at Fortunata Winery

This winery near Denton is the perfect place for all wine lovers.

Located 20 minutes outside the city, Fortunata Winery is beautiful, well-lit, and well-maintained, with outdoor seating and live music.

It is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner with your partner or a lovely evening with your friends.

You can taste different kinds of wine and choose the one that best suits your taste.

Fortunata Winery also serves a special five-course meal, which visitors often describe as “top-notch.”

You must definitely check this place out to have the best wine and dinner experience near Denton, Texas.

Beat the Texas Heat at Doubletree Ranch Park

Doubletree Ranch Park is a pretty amazing place to beat Texas’ scorching heat.

This family-friendly attraction is located in Highland Village, just 15 minutes away from Denton.

The park comprises a number of well-maintained trails for hiking, along with several pavilions that can be rented.

It also comes with a beautiful lakeside and is a perfect spot for holding your dream outdoor wedding.

Doubletree Ranch Park has splash pads for kids to play and jump around on.

It is full of lush green bushes and trees and is filled with colorful flowers all around the trails.

The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful.

Admire the Lakeside Scenery at Big Sandy Boat Ramp

Big Sandy Boat Ramp is a beautiful and historic dock near Denton.

Found in the town of Shady Shores, it is suitable for kayaking, boating, or fishing.

You can take a dip into the water near the shore to beat the Texas heat.

Alternatively, you can sit around the lake and have a barbecue or a simple picnic.

The lakeside scenery here is beautiful and makes for the perfect setting for a picnic date.

It is a nice area to explore around, and you must take a side trip here when you’re in Denton.

Final Thoughts

Denton is a great place to visit if you want to kick back and take a break.

Admire the wondrous local attractions and inject fun into your vacation away from home.

In Denton, you’ll enjoy over 300 acres of outdoor green space, gorgeous gardens, lakes, and a host of picturesque parks.

Why not add these destinations to your travel bucket list to help complete your holiday in Denton?

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